DUBAI TOUR - SHARJAH

Dubai is popularly believed to be a state of Malls and skyscrapers. The state promotes tourism in a big way, so many flock to Dubai. What does this desert place have to showcase? Plenty in fact. As if that is not enough, if the right season is chosen, you have some exotic bonus too - Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), Global Village and Dubai Miracle Garden.

We booked our tour for mid January with the tour company Veena World and our small group of 16 with our tour manager were all set with great expectation. We would get 4 1/2 days in Dubai and a day in Abu Dhabi and a bonus of half a day in Sharjah too. We felt that was great. The only disappointment was we wouldn't get to fly to the renowned Dubai airport. We had to pack warm clothes too as we were informed that it would be pretty chilly during the Desert Safari in Dubai. Ironic, right?

Sharjah

During our trip to Dubai, we flew from Mumbai to Sharjah (a mere two hour flight). So we got to go around the place as an extra topping. 

We got into our luxury coach and all of us were ready for the tour of Sharjah after a good breakfast at Rajasthan restaurant.

Everyone of us was thrilled to be visiting the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium to relive those thrilling 1983 moments! 

We picked our seats at the stands and pretended to be watching an ODI even as a practice match was actually going on!

The Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium has hosted almost 200 cricket One Day Internationals, more than any other ground in UAE. Since 2003 the stadium has been the venue for certain other matches, such as the 2004 ICC Intercontinental Cup. The use of the venue has declined as the new 20,000 seat Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi has become the preferred venue for cricket in the UAE. Still it was nice to sit there and bring to our mind's eye the memorable moments of our Indian cricket team's glorious attainments there.

Then we drove around Sharjah, admiring the attractively landscaped gardens and parks, greenery, beautiful buildings and even the artistic fences along the roads.

The city of Sharjah boasts of the main administrative and commercial centers, as well as a number of cultural institutions including several museums. 

Sharjah University, Cultural Square and Quran Roundabout were fascinating  ....... 

note the sculpture of the open Quran outside the museum .......... Distinctive landmarks include a number of recreational areas and public parks such as Al Jazeirah Fun Park and 

Al Buheirah Corniche and .......

the sprawling Blue Souk Mall ..... 

reflecting Islamic design standing majestically on the other side of the Corniche. 

The city's skyline on the other side is impressive too. The city is also notable for numerous mosques.

A thirty minute drive takes us to Dubai.